Once the Matrix sequels got announced, the hype exploded in a way only The Phantom Menace had back in those days.

The Matrix was a sleeper hit in 99, a cultural watermark from The Wachowskis, whose only directing credit was Bound, a sleazy and slick crime flick. Sure, they had credits for rewrites, like in Richard Donner’s Assassins, but the duo took the scene by storm.

I remember just buying magazines if they had tidbits about the movie. I became a fan of Hot Dog magazine due to their off kilter coverage, back when I arrived in Nottingham in 2002.

So may 2003 comes and the word of mouth was both disappointing and a weak ending. I was still there, opening weekend and I loved it. The people I was with however hated it to no avail.

I guess people wanted another Matrix, and in a way, they got it. Perhaps it’s the cyclical nature of the dialogue, long action, dialogue structure the movie adheres to that put people off, as some bits get pretentious.

The highway chase scene was the highlight for me and it was a summer of good chases (Bad boys II, 2 fast 2 furious). Juno Reactor brings their classic to Don Davis, who perfectly marries pumping electronica beats with a full orchestra.

-Sam J Valdés López